San Giovanni Day

There is something that changes in Italy when the sun sets. A city of tourists, traffic, and often a lot of chaos turns into a magical, peaceful, and memorable experience at night. I found this in Venice, and last night I found it right here at home in Florence.

Yesterday was San Giovanni Day (sort of Italy's version of The 4th of July, but not really). Italians, Americans, Germans, Asians, and so on lined up on the bridges and on the side of the Arno to witness the special moment in Florence. The fireworks began at 10 and lasted for about 45 minutes. There was nothing over-the-top about these fireworks: no loud obnoxious music, no huge God Bless Italy signs - just the company of friends (11 people that I have deeply bonded with and learned to appreciate), the beauty of Italy and the Ponte Vecchio, and the lights in the sky. It was perfect.

Last night is something that will stay with me forever. I feel like I am apart of this community. Each day that passes reminds me that this experience really is once in a lifetime. I know that I will come back (a lot), but it will never have the same feeling that it has now and I will never be with these same people in the same place ever again.

I plan on soaking up the next 2 days!

Ciao.